Exclusive: Zelensky "ready" to call referendum on Trump plan with ceasefire

Between the lines: The U.S. side sees it as a major step forward that Zelensky is willing to hold a referendum and is no longer ruling out territorial concessions.

• But as Zelensky emphasized during the phone interview with Axios, holding such a plebiscite would have major political, logistical and security complications.
• That's why he thinks a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote "is the minimum." A senior U.S. official told Axios the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable.
• Zelensky also said it's not yet clear to him whether Russia is prepared to agree to Trump's plan in the first place. "I have some intelligence ... but I'm at the moment when I want to believe only the words of leaders," he said.

Driving the news: Zelensky spoke to Axios by phone two days before a planned meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

• He said most aspects of the bilateral U.S.-Ukraine agreements are now set and have been codified into five documents, though a sixth may be added.

On the crucial issue of security guarantees, Zelensky said, "I think we are ready with these documents," though there are some "technical things" to discuss further.

• One is the duration of the agreement. The U.S. has proposed a 15-year pact that could be renewed. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelensky said, adding he would consider it a "big success" if Trump agreed with that during their meeting.
• Both the U.S. and Ukraine would bring the security guarantees before their legislatures for ratification, Zelensky said.
• He praised Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and his own team, led by national security adviser Rustem Umerov, for their work.

Zoom in: Zelensky said he'd still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum.

• He compared such a vote to the Brexit referendum in the U.K. — with people campaigning intensely on both sides of a very complex issue — except on a much tighter timeline and in a war-torn country.
• Zelensky confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner were prepared to visit Ukraine to lay out the benefits of the deal. He suggested that perhaps Trump himself should visit to make the case.

• But Zelensky said that if that campaign takes place amid ongoing Russian attacks, it will end badly. For all the talk of security guarantees and economic benefits, "the people will see the missiles."

The Ukrainian president repeatedly emphasized the need for a ceasefire that actually holds, and lasts at least two months.

• If people don't turn out to vote due to security concerns, the result could seem illegitimate, Zelensky said.
• "It's better to not have a referendum than have a referendum where people do not have the possibility to come and vote," he argued.

What's next: Zelensky, Trump and a group of European leaders are expected to hold a conference call on Saturday to get everyone up to speed on the talks, a Ukrainian official said. Zelensky said he hopes he and Trump can also "connect with the Europeans" during their meeting on Sunday.

• Zelensky said the goal of Sunday's meeting with Trump is to use all the progress made by their teams to set a framework for ending the war — including the "schedule."
• "I think now we are at the next level, and that's why we need to negotiate with presidents," he said. "We want to finish it as quickly as possible. That's why I count on this meeting."

Zelensky also emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who are holding Christmas celebrations at a time of war.

• "People at the front, they are defending the country and at the same [time], they have some moments to celebrate Christmas."